Every Legend of Zelda Game, Ranked
Polygon ranks all the mainline games in Nintendo's Zelda series, including the 2026 Switch 2 remake of Ocarina of Time
1. The Legend of Zelda (1986)
The original game that established the series as a symbol of exploration. The protagonist, Link, is 16 years old and struggles with new gameplay mechanics as Nintendo experiments with side-scrolling action and role-playing elements.
2. The Adventure of Link (1987)
An awkward entry often considered the black sheep of the series. Created by an external developer, this game explores the limits of Nintendo's design capabilities, resulting in a challenging, obtuse adventure that is now viewed as a learning experience for the company.
3. Phantom Hourglass (2008)
A somewhat awkward era for the series, as this first mainline Zelda game on the Nintendo DS struggled with uneven pacing, particularly during boat travel and revisiting the Temple of the Ocean King. However, it paved the way for innovative gameplay on handheld consoles.
4. Twilight Princess (2006)
Link spends a significant amount of time in wolf form, which is initially strange but eventually becomes endearing. The introduction of Midna, a snarky helper character reminiscent of Navi, is more satisfying than most side characters. Despite its unconventional approach, Twilight Princess offers a compelling story arc.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
The unlikely rebirth of the series, thanks to the widespread success of the Nintendo Switch and the revolutionary design of this game. Breath of the Wild reignited the series' popularity and showcased the potential for innovation within the franchise.
Written by urgent.news from Polygon's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
